Lost Money? How to Stop UPI Autopay Scam & Revoke Mandates Instantly

Imagine waking up to a notification: “₹5,000 debited from your account.” You didn’t swipe your card. You didn’t enter an OTP. You didn’t scan a QR code. Yet, the money is gone. Panic sets in. You check your transaction history, hoping it’s a mistake, but then—three days later—it happens again.

This is not a glitch. This is the UPI Autopay Scam, one of the most sophisticated and rapidly growing financial crimes in India. While using the best UPI apps in India for secure payments offers robust security features, user error and social engineering remain critical vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.

Unlike traditional phishing where scammers steal a lump sum once, the UPI Autopay fraud is designed to bleed your account dry over time. By tricking you into approving a "Mandate," scammers gain legal, recurring access to your bank account without needing your permission for future deductions.

A visual guide on how scammers trick you into approving recurring mandates and how to stop them.

If you are reading this, you might already be a victim, or you want to protect your hard-earned money. Do not panic. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how to stop UPI autopay scam mechanics, how to revoke these hidden permissions on every major app (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm), and the specific RBI guidelines you can use to claim a refund.

Part 1: The Mechanism – How the Scam Works

What is a UPI Mandate?

To understand the fraud, you must understand the feature. UPI Autopay was introduced by the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) to make life easier. It allows users to set up recurring payments for subscriptions (Netflix, Hotstar), utility bills, loan EMIs, and mutual fund SIPs.

When you set up a mandate, you authorize a merchant to deduct amounts up to a specific limit automatically. Crucially, payments up to ₹15,000 (as per recent RBI updates) do not require an OTP.

The "Social Engineering" Trap

Scammers exploit this "No OTP" convenience. They don't hack your phone; they hack your psychology using these common traps:

• The Cashback Bait: Scammers send links promising rewards. While there are legitimate ways to earn cashback on UPI, scammers use this desire to trick you into approving a "receive money" request that is actually a debit mandate.
• The KYC/Bill Panic: "Your electricity will be cut tonight" or "Your KYC is expiring."
• Fake Investment Returns: They may promise high returns on assets, often citing current market trends like silver price fluctuations or gold rates to lure you into setting up a "monthly investment" which is actually a fraud.

Once you enter your PIN, the trap shuts. You haven't just paid money; you have signed a digital contract allowing them to take money whenever they want.

Part 2: Immediate Action – How to Cancel UPI Mandates

If you suspect unauthorized deductions, your first move is to revoke the mandate. Deleting the app does not stop the payments.

1. How to Stop Autopay in PhonePe

PhonePe is the most widely used app, and consequently, a common target.

1. Open the PhonePe App.
2. Tap on your Profile Picture (Top Left Corner).
3. Scroll down to the section named “Payment Management”.
4. Tap on “Autopay Settings”.
5. Select the suspicious mandate.
6. Scroll to the bottom and tap “Remove Autopay”.

2. How to Cancel Mandate in Google Pay (GPay)

1. Open Google Pay and tap your Profile Icon.
2. Select “Autopay” (It might be under ‘Payments & subscriptions’).
3. Click on the active/live mandate that you did not authorize.
4. Tap “Cancel Autopay” and confirm.

3. How to Disable Autopay in Paytm

1. Open the Paytm App and go to your Profile.
2. Select “UPI & Payment Settings”.
3. Scroll down to find “UPI Automatic Payments”.
4. Tap on the fraudulent merchant and click “Cancel Automatic Payment”.

Warning: Even if the scammer has already deducted money, cancelling the mandate prevents future losses. This protects what remains of your savings, which is crucial if you are trying to build a student emergency fund or manage tight finances.

Part 3: UPI Autopay Fraud Recovery – How to Get Your Money Back

Once the bleeding has stopped, the focus shifts to recovery. According to the RBI Customer Liability Guidelines, timing is critical.

Step 1: The Golden Hour (Call 1930)

Dial 1930 immediately. This connects you to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Reporting within the "Golden Hour" allows the police to freeze the funds in the scammer's account before withdrawal. You can also file a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.

Step 2: Contact Your Bank

Raise a dispute for "Unauthorized Transaction via Social Engineering." Provide the mandate details found in your UPI transaction history.

Part 4: Prevention – How to Bulletproof Your UPI

You cannot stop scammers from existing, but you can make yourself a "hard target."

1. Use Dedicated Apps for Investments

Never set up "investments" via random links sent on WhatsApp. For legitimate SIPs and mutual funds, always use verified platforms. If you are a student or beginner, check our comparison of Zerodha vs Groww for students with small capital to start safely.

2. Use UPI Lite for Small Payments

To further isolate your main bank account from frequent exposure, consider using UPI Lite for transactions under ₹500. You can learn how to enable UPI Lite to keep your primary savings more secure.

Protect your money: Identify and cancel unauthorized UPI mandates immediately.

3. The "Read Before PIN" Rule

Before entering your PIN, look at the screen. Does it say "Set Mandate"? If yes, STOP. You never need to authorize a mandate to receive money.

Conclusion: Vigilance is Your Best Firewall

The digital finance ecosystem in India is robust, overseen by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, the UPI Autopay scam highlights a critical vulnerability: human trust. By understanding how to cancel mandates and recognizing the red flags, you protect not just your money, but your peace of mind.

Your Next Step: Right now, open your UPI app. Go to the "Autopay" section. Check if there are any active subscriptions you don't recognize. If you find one, cancel it immediately.

Watch: Biggest UPI Scams Exposed

For a visual explanation of how these scams operate, watch this detailed breakdown by Zero1:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a refund if I approved the mandate myself?

It is difficult but not impossible. Since you authorized it (technically), banks often deny refunds. However, if you file a police complaint via 1930 immediately, the lien placed on the scammer's account can help return your money.

Does uninstalling PhonePe/GPay stop the autopay?

No. The mandate is registered with your bank and NPCI, not just the app on your phone. You must reinstall the app and revoke the mandate or contact your bank to cancel it from the backend.

Is there a cost to cancel a UPI mandate?

No, cancelling a UPI mandate is free of cost on all platforms like BHIM, PhonePe, and Google Pay.

Reviewed by: Finance & Digital Payments Research Team

Sources verified: RBI Circulars, NPCI Guidelines, National Cyber Crime Portal

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes under our Editorial Policy. Sahityashala.in does not provide personalized legal or banking advice. Always verify fraud recovery steps directly with your bank or via the 1930 Helpline.